Background
Ex construction director.
How long have you played Walking Football?
3 Years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Love football in my younger days played 3x per week, seen it advertised and went along, love it great.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
2 Sessions per week.
Can you let the readers know about your Walking Football sessions in regards of which age group are they for, are they male only, female only or unisex sessions?
We normally play 3 games of 12 mins each way per session, Males only at our sessions.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU, FA or your own set of rules? What was the decision behind the rules you have chosen to officiate with?
We play to our own rules ,these were put together by Mick Quinn Mick is a very experienced physio and played football at a professional level, and the rules he has set have been adopted by a lot of walking football clubs.
They are sensible and take into account the average fitness levels from the age of 50 upwards as to avoid injury, these are 3 touch no over physical body contact, no ball above head height, no players allowed in the keepers area as protection for goal keepers, no tackles on the ground.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Fantastic feeling every Monday and Friday.
I can’t describe the buzz it gives me, to play football again absolutely at 70 and make new friends and be part of a team.
Wonderful.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Important to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes plenty of stretches, your mind is willing but sometimes your body is not, so warm up.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes played 2x in Italy and won two medal, plus other Hampshire competitions, currently playing in a newly formed Surrey league for over 60 Males.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Yes I have lost 2 stone since starting walking football, down to walking football.
I also recently got diagnosed with prostate cancer, and all kept thinking was why I was having treatment I am missing so much my Walking Football.
I need to get back, in fact from having my prostate removed I was back playing in 9 weeks Walking Football in Italy in a club competition.
I now watch what I eat and drink and have a different mind-set because I want to be fit to play the game I have always loved, it’s now Walking Football.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes I feel fitter, and I know I am fitter, as mentioned above I’ve lost weight.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Normal pulled leg muscles and hamstring, you have to remember a lot of guys have not done any exercise for years, so they come back to Walking Football and there mind is willing but their bodies are not so a good warm up is so important.
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes 100 per cent we also have to fill in a medical form, which is strictly private but if there was a problem our physio can deal with it in an emergency and pass info to a medical team i.e. paramedic.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes get to meet the guys play football with and always stay behind after our sessions for a coffee or tea and a chat, fantastic.
Does your club or facility where you play Walking Football hold any social or charity events connected with Walking Football and if so what were they?
Now and again, normally have a get together for end of season.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
No worst memories only positive, playing in walking competitions again great.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Just getting to no knew friends and guys I played football with over 40 years ago.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
I love the friendship and comradeship , Walking Football has given me a new lease of life with the game I love.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
No I never could run when I use to play.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To keep enjoying it as long as legs will let me.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to play but is nervous about approaching a club or attending a Walking Football session for the first time?
Don’t hold back, give it a go it’s like your first date, your nervous , you have you first drink and you feel great, well in Walking Football you make that first pass and score a goal, nobody can take that feeling away all those memories come back.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They encourage, me it gets me out from my wife’s feet.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
3 pound per session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
For me personally it’s been great after all I have been through this year alone, without Walking Football I would be moping around feeling sorry for myself.
If you love football give it a go you will not regret it.
You will love the game and love the people you play with and the new friends you will meet.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
